Kampot Pepper Plantation: Visiting La Plantation

If you’re travelling to Kampot in Cambodia, let’s check out some of the most famous pepper plantations around. 

Kampot pepper is world-renowned for its exceptional quality and unique taste, and visiting a pepper plantation is one of the most popular things to do in the region. In this article, we’ll take you through our visit to La Plantation, share the fascinating history of Kampot pepper, explain why it’s considered the best pepper in the world, and give you all the practical tips you need — from opening hours and tours to where you can buy authentic Kampot pepper as a souvenir. 

And if you’re planning more than just a day, don’t miss our full 3 Days in Kampot itinerary, where we combine pepper farms with Kep National Park, Kep Beach, and an evening in Kampot town.

Getting to La Plantation from Kampot

Kampot pepper plantation was one of the highlights of our three days in Kampot. We had a tuk-tuk arranged for the whole day (USD 20), which gave us the flexibility to explore. Arriving at the farm around 3:30 PM, we had just enough time to enjoy the views and the on-site restaurant before the final free guided tour at 4:00 PM. It was the perfect way to end our afternoon, relaxed, scenic, and filled with flavor.

You can easily arrange a tuk-tuk to La Plantation using apps like Grab or TADA, and simply ask the driver to wait for you during the visit,  most drivers will be happy to do so as it means another job for them. Another option is to arrange a full-day ride, which is often the most convenient if you want to combine several stops. We paid USD 20 for the whole day with our friendly Kampot driver, you can message him on WhatsApp (Mr. Long Lavy, +855 78 222 861), and it worked out perfectly.

The Story Behind La Plantation: History & Mission

La Plantation was founded in 2013 by Nathalie and Guy, a French-Belgian couple who first came to Cambodia as visitors and decided to stay. What began as a piece of neglected land has since been transformed into a thriving model farm dedicated to reviving the heritage of Kampot Pepper, considered by many chefs and food lovers as one of the finest peppers in the world.

From the very beginning, La Plantation’s mission was not only agricultural but also social. The farm provides jobs to hundreds of local Cambodians, relying on hand-crafted methods rather than machines so more people can be employed. Part of the farm’s revenue also goes directly into supporting local schools and education projects, making each purchase a contribution to the community.

Over the years, La Plantation has grown far beyond its original fields. In 2016, the farm opened to visitors, inviting travelers from around the world to learn about pepper cultivation. The same year, they created their now famous product — fresh salted Kampot pepper — a unique way of preserving the taste and crunch of fresh green peppercorns using Kampot salt. Later came the restoration of Khmer heritage buildings, partnerships with over 50 small family farms, the development of herbal teas and spice sauces, and international certifications for food safety and quality. 

Today, La Plantation stands not only as a pepper farm but as a hub of innovation, heritage, and sustainability in southern Cambodia.

Why Kampot Pepper Is So Special

What makes Kampot Pepper truly special is its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI/PDO) status and the unique combination of climate, soil, and tradition in southern Cambodia. 

The hot, humid weather, seasonal rains, and mineral-rich soils give the peppercorns incredible depth. Each color, black, red, white, or green comes from the very same plant, with differences created by harvest timing and processing. The result is a pepper praised by chefs worldwide for its floral, citrusy, and slightly sweet notes, far more complex than ordinary pepper. And because everything is still processed by hand, every grain carries the touch of Kampot’s people and history.

Our Personal Experience on the Kampot Pepper Farm

Before our tour began, we had time to sit down in the farm’s restaurant and try something unusual: pepper beer. 

Refreshing with a peppery twist, it was the perfect introduction to what was waiting for us outside — rows of pepper vines stretching into the distance, surrounded by gentle hills and tropical greenery.

The guided tour started promptly at 4:00 PM. You don’t have to book a tour in advance, you can just come and join the tour. We came at 3:30 pm.

Our guide warmly welcomed us and shared the story of the farm’s beginnings, explaining how everything here is grown and processed by hand. We walked through the pepper fields, where the iconic vines are trained up wooden poles, and learned how the very same plant produces black, white, red, and green pepper. The differences come down to the moment of harvest and the method of processing:

• Black pepper is dried under the Cambodian sun.
  
• Green pepper is dried using controlled methods to preserve its fresh, vegetal notes.
  
• White pepper is obtained by removing the outer skin of fully ripe peppercorns.
  
• Red pepper comes from fully ripened berries, dried to maintain their natural sweetness.
  

It was fascinating to realize how much skill and tradition lies behind something as simple as the peppercorns on our table.

Tasting the Flavors on Kampot Pepper Farm 

The final part of the tour was the tasting session — and it was easily the highlight. We sampled some variety of Kampot pepper side by side, noticing how each one differed in heat, aroma, and aftertaste. Among the most interesting was the long pepper (Piper longum), a lesser-known spice shaped like a tiny catkin. Unlike regular pepper, its flavor is warm and complex, with peppery heat mixed with subtle hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

After the pepper came roasted cashew nuts and other farm products, each with their own unique character. Everything we tried was available for purchase in the shop, though we appreciated that there was absolutely no pressure to buy. At the time, we left empty-handed because we were short on time, but later in Siem Reap we found La Plantation products again and bought some to bring home. Sometimes the best souvenirs arethe ones you choose after the experience has had time to sink in.

Practical Information about Kampot Pepper Plantation

La Plantation is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last free guided tour beginning at 4:00 PM. The tour lasts about an hour and includes the tasting session. To make the most of your visit, arrive a little earlier to enjoy the views, relax in the restaurant, or try a drink before the tour begins.

The entire experience takes roughly one hour. A camera is a must, the landscapes are beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities to capture the pepper vines up close.

Where to Stay Nearby La Plantation

Although most visitors come to La Plantation as part of a day trip, you can also extend your stay and enjoy the peaceful Kampot countryside overnight. Waking up close to the pepper farms means quiet mornings, nature all around, and easy access to Kampot or Kep. 

The only accommodation located directly by the plantation is Villa de La Plantation — a boutique villa with just four rooms, an infinity pool, and beautiful views over the pepper fields. Staying here means you’ll be just steps away from La Plantation itself, making it the most convenient option if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Kampot pepper countryside.

For more choices in the area, check the map and pick the stay that best fits your travel style, whether you prefer something riverside, eco-friendly, or closer to Kampot town.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Kampot Pepper Plantation

Visiting La Plantation isn’t just about seeing where Kampot pepper comes from — it’s about understanding the story and people behind it. The farm is a place where tradition meets innovation, where every peppercorn is the result of careful handwork, and where visitors can feel part of something larger than tourism. From the pepper beer to the long pepper tasting, every detail adds to a memorable afternoon.

We ended our visit by heading into Kampot town for dinner and a walk along the lively evening promenade, reflecting on what we had just experienced. If you’re spending time in Kep or Kampot, setting aside an afternoon for La Plantation is one of the best choices you can make.

Kampot Pepper Plantation Tour Options

Our visit to La Plantation was completely independent — we arranged a tuk-tuk from Kep and explored on our own. This is an easy and budget-friendly way to do it, but if you don’t feel like organizing transport yourself, there are also organized tours from Kampot or Kep that include La Plantation in their itinerary. These tours usually combine several stops, such as salt fields, caves, or Kep’s crab market, and provide a guide for the whole day.

Other Pepper Plantations in Kampot

While La Plantation is the most famous and well-organized farm, it’s not the only one. The Kampot region is home to dozens of pepper plantations, many of which welcome visitors. If you’re interested in seeing a smaller or more family-run farm, here are a few names worth considering:

Sothy’s Pepper Farm – A certified organic farm known for its sustainable practices and personal tours.

BoTree Farm – A family-owned plantation producing premium Kampot pepper, with a focus on eco-friendly farming.

Paradise Gardens – A smaller-scale, organic farm that offers tours and tastings in a more intimate setting.

Visiting one or two plantations in addition to La Plantation can give you a broader perspective on how Kampot pepper is cultivated and why it has earned worldwide recognition.

FAQ – Visiting La Plantation

Can I combine La Plantation with other activities?
Yes! We describe this in detail in our 3 Days in Kampot itinerary. On the same day we visited Kep National Park, Kep Beach, La Plantation, and finished with a lovely evening in Kampot town.

Where can I buy Kampot pepper from La Plantation?
The easiest option is directly at La Plantation, where you can purchase the same products you taste during the tour. If you prefer to wait, you can also find La Plantation shops in Kampot town, Siem Reap, and even in certain Cambodian supermarkets.

Do I have to go on my own, or are tours available?
We went independently with a tuk-tuk, which was simple and fun, but you can also book organized tours from Kep or Kampot. These often combine several highlights like salt fields, caves, and La Plantation in one day.